Understanding Valvular Heart Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Valvular refers to the heart valves, which are the flap-like structures that control the flow of blood between the chambers of the heart. The term "valvular" can be used to describe any condition or disease that affects these valves, such as valve regurgitation (leaky valves) or valve stenosis (narrowed valves).

For example, mitral valve prolapse is a condition where the mitral valve does not close properly and blood leaks back into the left atrium, causing symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath. This is an example of a valvular heart disease.

Valvular can also be used to describe other types of conditions that affect the heart valves, such as endocarditis (an infection of the heart valves) or rheumatic fever (a condition that can cause inflammation and damage to the heart valves).